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Italico Aviation Will Open A Manufacturing Facility At Kissimmee Gateway Airport

An Italian LSA manufacturer plans to set up shop in Kissimmee, FL. The City of Kissimmee’s Economic Development Office said in a news release Wednesday that Italico Aviation is opening an LSA manufacturing facility at Kissimmee Gateway Airport. When the facility is established, Italico Aviation USA will be one of two original equipment manufacturer of Lights Sports Aircraft in the United States, the other being the Arion Lightning, manufactured in Tennessee.

At this headquarters location, Italico Aviation USA, a spin-off of the Italian ultralight builder Eruoala, plans to create 55 new positions over the next 4 years with more than a $3.2 million capital investment. In addition to manufacturing LSAs, Italico Aviation USA is expanding their research and development to this site as well as making this site the distribution center for all their sales in the western hemisphere.

The aircraft to be built in Florida will be called the FX1. It will be based on the Euroala Jet Fox ultralight and powered by a Rotax ULS 100 hp engine. The airplane has so far been shown only in an amphibious (pictured) configuration, thought the Jet Fox is depicted with tricycle gear. Italico Aviation USA received approval from the state, county and city for a Qualified Target Industry (QTI) tax refund with a High Impact Sector Bonus whose total amounts to $550,000, which is awarded based on meeting contractual performance requirements including job goals.

“We are excited to begin manufacturing in the United States,” said Eros Spinozzi, President of Italico Aviation and Italico Aviation USA. “The Kissimmee location is perfect as it offers us access to everything we need, from a great workforce, strategic location, a tremendous customer base and most importantly the Florida sunshine that enables us to showcase our planes year round.”

City of Kissimmee Mayor Jim Swan stated, “We share great pride in Italico’s decision to expand their operation here. It is a testament that Kissimmee and Osceola County are great places for international companies to start, expand and continue to prosper.”

“Italico’s choice to locate in Florida reflects our ability to help international firms achieve their business goals through the partnerships, resources and talent the state offers,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope, who serves as president & CEO of Enterprise Florida Inc., the state’s lead economic development organization. “We welcome Italico to Florida’s business community and look forward to the new opportunities the company will bring to our citizens.”

Partners in this project include the State of Florida, Enterprise Florida Inc., Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee and the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission.